Singer Kim Heung-guk goes on a solo World Cup cheering expedition.
Kim is known for being a soccer fanatic who has traveled to every World Cup since the 1990 World Cup in Italy, except during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2026 World Cup in North and Central America will be Kim's eighth trip to the tournament. He is more determined than ever to do so, as he is doing so at his own expense in a difficult situation, both nationally and personally.
Kim will depart from Incheon International Airport on the 10th of this month, first traveling to Los Angeles, before arriving in Mexico on the 11th to join the local Korean supporters.
Kim had originally planned to cheer with a group of "chuksamo" (soccer lovers), but due to circumstances, he decided to go alone.
"It would be great if the war was over, but airfare, gas, and the dollar exchange rate are out of control, and the 'Chuksamo' and travel agencies are not what they used to be. It's a miracle to go to Mexico in this difficult environment," Kim said.
Kim Heung-guk, the leader of the original World Cup cheering squad, Arirang Cheerleaders, said, "I will come back with all my heart and passion for victory. As one of the people of Korea, I will wave the Korean flag and the Korean flag banner as if I were the 12th player on the field, and I will cheer at the top of my lungs like a pheasant."
"The first game is important, and I hope we can beat the Czech Republic, draw Mexico, and beat South Africa to advance beyond the round of 32 to the round of 16," Kim said.